ACC LifeGroups | Ideas for Leaders

Ready for a great start for your One Month group?  Here are
a few ideas that will help your members have a great experience:

1. Don’t feel like every member has to answer every question…or even that you have to ask every question.  For example, with three questions to choose from on page 7, you may want to zero in on one of the three.  The idea is to help your group relax and prime the conversation pump.
2. Take a few minutes at the beginning of this session to review the gray section on page 5.  Taking 5 minutes to talk through these 8 keys to a healthy group will pay off as you begin.
3. Each session will have a few Bible verses.  To make your study easy for some of your members, you may want to download and print off the key scripture handout.  It includes both the main scriptures and the "exploring deeper" passages. 
4. Each session will have "exploring deeper" sections that are really extra.  Many groups will just skip right over it.  Other groups will want to dig a little deeper.
5. The "Live" section is designed for personal application.  This might be the most important aspect of the One Month Challenge. Pacing your group to reserve time for this section is important.
6. Consider asking your members to pair up and share their responses to the personal application section.  See my article on a spiritual training partner for more information on this important practice.
7. Very Important: As you finish session one, take a few minutes and do two very important things.  First, ask your group members if they know anyone who would have enjoyed being part of this discussion.  Have them write down the names of anyone that comes to mind and invite them to join the group for session two.  Second, take a few minutes and talk about the calender for the upcoming sessions.  Simply passing around a sign-up sheet and allowing your members to sign up to bring refreshments, coordinate the prayer list, host a session at their home, or even facilitate a session will take some weight off of you…and it will help your members feel more engaged.

Ready for session two?  Here are a few ideas that will help your members have a great experience:

1. Take a moment at the very beginning to ask if anyone would like to share how the first week of the One Month Challenge has gone.  Be ready to share your own reflection, keeping in mind that the depth and length of your answer will have an influence on your members.
2. As we mentioned last week, the first few questions are really designed to get your group loosened up and talking.  The Love section is helpful because it allows members who are new to each other to relax and share a few minutes easing into the topic for the night.  At the same time, this section is only an intro.  You might want to say, “Are there a couple of you that have ridden a great roller coaster?”  Then move on to question two (which is much more important).
3. If you have new members this week be sure and introduce them to everyone.
4. Each session will have a few Bible verses.  To make your study easy for some of your members, you may want to download and print off the key scriptures document. It includes both the main scriptures and the “exploring deeper” passages.
5. The “Group Discussion” questions on page 16 are helpful, but still only a set up for the questions at the end of this session.  A quick pass is all that’s needed.  Be sure and reserve time for the Live section of your study.
6. Be aware of the fact that your answers will influence your members.  If your answers are surface level, your members’ answers will be the same.  If your answer is lengthy, their answers are more likely to be long as well.  Balance is an important key to a good group.  Answering with appropriate depth and modeling the length of answer desired is very helpful as a group forms.
7. The “Live” section is designed for personal application.  Consider asking your members to pair up and share their responses to the personal application section.  See my article on a spiritual training partner for more information on this important practice.
8. Very Important: As you finish session two, take a few minutes and ask your group members if they know anyone who would have enjoyed being part of this discussion.  Have them write down the names of anyone that comes to mind and invite them to join the group for session two.  It’s not too late!

What’s next?  Most of our new life groups will be transitioning to a great new study of 5 of the best known parables.  This is one of the most interesting and engaging new studies.  DVD-driven, Mirror Image is different than anything we’ve done.  Each of the parables are seen through the experiences of one family and then unpacked by a short teaching piece.

You can see a sample right here.   DVDs are $15.  We will have them in the lobby beginning Sunday, October 19th.  Please let us know that you are planning on participating by emailing Debbi Purvis (if you’ve already taken the survey there’s no need to reconfirm).

I have been hearing some really great reports from many of our existing groups.  It is just fantastic to see how many of you guys have jumped on board with us and joined in.  Thank you for your support!

You’ll be excited to know that we have about 170 groups doing One Month to Live right now!  In fact, last Sunday we had 5 more people come to the table and ask if it was too late to get started.  They had been out of town, missed the orientations, but really wanted to invite their friends and neighbors (many of whom had already said "yes!").

There are some really great stories already.  One Air Force wife told me that she wanted the book to do the study on her own.  I asked her if she had looked for a group and she told me that her husband was deployed, she lived out at Beale, and had a kindergartner that she didn’t want to leave with a sitter.  When I asked if there were any other wives who might be open to a daytime study on the base she said "yes."  I said, "Why don’t you just take a kit and see if anyone out there would like to join you?"  She said, "Let me think about it."  After the service she came back by the table and picked up a kit to start a group!  Isn’t that a great story?

You’ve probably already got a story or two about how God is using your One Month group to make a difference in the life of someone.  Why not take a moment and put your story in the comments?  Don’t share anything that’s confidential.  But your stories will encourage someone else.  Thanks! 

Check here each week for a downloadable list of each session’s key scriptures.  Just click the link to download!

Living the Dash – Key Scriptures

Live Passionately – Key Scriptures

Love Completely – Key Scriptures

Learn Humbly – Key Scriptures

Leave Boldly – Key Scriptures

Living With No Regrets – Key Scriptures

September 7th is almost here!  Hopefully you’ve been tracking what’s coming…and you’re group is getting ready for a great experience.  Here are a few things to keep in mind as we get closer:

• Pastor Rick’s message series begins on September 7th.  That means that most groups will begin using the One Month curriculum that week.  At the first meeting you’ll pass out study guides and do session one.  To prepare for your next meeting your group members will read Days 1 thru 8 in the hardback devotional.
• We’ve heard back from many of you that you’ll be doing One Month and will need books and study guides.  If you haven’t completed the survey to let us know what you need, please do that RIGHT HERE
• Group leaders are the only ones who can pick up material.  We’ll be distributing material to existing group leaders who have responded to the survey on 8/31 and 9/7.  Remember, your members won’t need it until your first meeting.
• Once you’ve picked up your material you’ll have until Sunday, 9/21 to turn in your payment.

Hope this helps!

We’re closing in on what promises to be a great time at Adventure!  Hopefully your group has had a great summer and is getting ready to join us for One Month to Live.

I’ve been getting some great questions and want to be sure you’re aware of the Frequently Asked Questions page…be sure and check that out if you haven’t already seen it.  Here are a few new questions:

• When can we pick up material for our Life Group?  You will be able to pick up material for your Life Group beginning Sunday, August 31st.  It will available on consignment (that means you can pick it up without paying) and you’ll have until September 21st to turn in your money in. 
• I’ve heard there are HOST orientations.  Do we need to attend an orientation?  Existing Life Group leaders do not need to attend an orientation.  We will have a leaders gathering later this fall.
• Can our existing Life Group be listed on the website?  The new small group finder will be live on August 31st.  It will highlight One Month to Live groups initially.  If your group will be using the One Month study and you’re open to new members, you can have your group listed.  Watch for an email looking for that information.
• Do we have to use One Month to Live in our Life Group?  No.  However, like the 40 Days of Purpose, you’ll be hearing a lot about it and your members may feel left out if you don’t. 
• Is there a study that will be promoted after One Month?  All of our newest groups will be given a study to do immediately following One Month.  In fact, it will be promoted in our services and in the lobby.  FYI, it is really something for our newest groups to help them move quickly into a next study that they will enjoy.  Existing Life Groups will be able to choose their own.

Hope these questions help!  And let me know if you’ve got others!

Hey everybody!  Here’s a few details as we move along to keep you up to date.

1. You’ll begin hearing about One Month to Live on Sunday, August 10th.  There’ll be an insert in the bulletin that gives people a chance to sign up to open their home as a HOST of a One Month Life Group.  Should you fill out the form?  Please fill one out if you’re planning to use the study guide in your group.
2. When does the message series begin?  Sunday, September 7th is the first message in the series.  There will be four Sunday messages in the series.
3. When does the Life Group study begin?  Groups will begin using the curriculum that same week (some groups will meet that night, others through the week).  The small group study lasts 6 weeks.
4. How much will it cost?  One Month to Live is a study like 40 Days of Purpose.  There is a book, written in the form of a 30 day devotional, and also a study guide that accompanies a DVD.  To participate in the small group study, you’ll definitely want your own copy of the study guide.  You’ll probably also want a copy of the book (although some couples will probably share a copy).  Group kits (10 study guides and 1 DVD) will be available for pickup on consignment by the leader or HOST and will cost $75 (if you have more than 10 members, extra copies will also be available at $7.50 each).  Although the book retails at $19.99 ($13.59 on Amazon), we’ll make copies available at $10.  Can’t beat it.

Hope you’re finding this info helpful as you plan for the fall!  Watch for more each week as we move closer!

What if you found out that you only had one month to live?  Would it make a difference in the way you spend your time?  For most of us, that is a no-brainer.  We’d make phone calls we’d been putting off.  We’d spend more time with our kids and family.  We’d tell our friends how much they mean to us.  In short, if we found out that we had one month to live…we’d live every minute to the fullest.  Right?

In September we’re launching One Month to Live, a church-wide experience that will combine a message series and a small group study.  If you participated in the 40 Days of Purpose, you’ll have some idea what this will look like.  This is going to be a great time!  You won’t want to miss it.

Whenever a new thing comes along there are always questions.  For example, you may be wondering if every Life Group will be required to participate.  I’ll tell you right away that I think you’ll want to be part of what happens at Adventure in September and October.  This will be a season that you won’t want to miss.  Required?  No.  Encouraged?  Absolutely.  Have other questions?  Take a look at our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page for more info.

Got questions?  Take a look at these.  If you’ve got one that isn’t answered, feel free to Email Me.  If it’s a really good one…you might get a prize.  If it’s an important clarification, we’ll update this FAQ!

I’d like to be a Host, but should I wait until I have more experience? If you have a willing heart, a DVD player, and a few open seats in your living room, you are ready to be a Host. The DVD and curriculum are “plug and play” so that anyone with any level of experience can Host a successful group.

Do I have to attend one of the Host Orientations? YES. There will be several available times and attending ONE of them is
required. You will receive some very important training and you will be given additional information that will enable you to pick up material for your group.

On which day of the week does the showing take place? One of the great things about the One Month to Live study is that it fits with every person’s schedule. Pick the day and time that works best for you. For example, if Thursday nights are easy, open nights in your life then you might want to Host your group on Thursday nights. A busy career couple might want to meet on Saturday mornings while a mom with kids in school might prefer a group that meets on a weekday morning. The typical time slot will be 1 ½ to 2 hours. It is really up to you. Just pick a night to start and let the group
decide from there.

How many weeks am I committing to? Your commitment is to host the six-week study that accompanies Pastor Rick’s message series. You will also be encouraged to rotate the facilitator role to a different member each meeting. This helps grow other members and gives you a break. Healthy groups rotate overtime but not overnight. At the end of the six
sessions each host will decide whether to continue with the group or help the group to identify a new leader.

What is the time requirement each week? From start to finish, the average small group meeting lasts between 1 ½ to 2
hours. As the Host, you might commit a little extra time between meetings each week to review the book and the leader
material as well as to pray for your group members.

How long is the DVD session each week? Though the group meeting will last between 1 ½ and 2 hours, the video itself will be approximately 10 to 15 minutes in length. The rest of the evening will be spent using the curriculum that accompanies Pastor Rick’s message series.

How many people should I be expecting to accommodate? We suggest inviting between 15-30 people. Then, after the first night, let the group invite some of their own friends. In our experience, about half of those who say they will come will actually come. An ideal number of people to have in a small group is 8-10. This allows for great interaction. If your group gets much larger you can break into groups to share and pray after the Bible study.

Who will be in the group I will host? We want you to start by inviting your friends! They are the most natural place to start. You can even ask them if they know anyone who would like to come. There will also be some helpful training at the Host Orientation that will help you think of others to invite. In addition, we may have the names of a few people who have signed up for the study and live nearby. And last, we will publish a list of available host homes so you may get a few emails or phone calls from people who see these.

How can I form a group with people who are similar to me? If you’d like to form a group with a certain affinity (like Couples, Singles, Women, Men, etc.), let us know by marking this on your commitment card. However, in most cases your geographic community will provide a “proximate” life stage or lifestyle affinity. Be sure to invite a few of your own friends that you enjoy hanging out with.

I am currently in a Life Group. Do I have to leave it if I am going to Host a new One Month to Live group? No. Although some members of existing Life Groups will choose to “take a 6 week vacation” from their group in order to Host a new one, others will simply meet on a different night and be part of two groups. Do what feels comfortable.

What do I do with the new group that has formed? As the Host, we are asking that you open your home to this new group for 6 short weeks. We ask that you show the DVD each week and help the group lead itself. We also hope that you will pray
for this new group and each of the members individually. At the end of the six weeks we would hope that by rotating leadership weekly and challenging someone to step up and lead, 70 to 80% of the new groups will survive.

After the One Month to Live study is over, can I go back with my old group? Some people decide to go back to their old
group and other people decide to stay with the new group that formed in their home with their friends and neighbors. You can do which ever you feel God is leading you to do. Do not feel pressured to stay but prepare to leave well. 

Will I be asked to continue Hosting this group after the six-week series? We are SO grateful for your gift of 6 weeks. When your commitment is over, each Host will personally decide what their role will be with the group of friends that birthed in their home. It is our hope that some Hosts will choose to continue with their new group. If that’s not your plan, we hope you will help the group raise up a new leader and find a new place to meet and that you will come alongside them and mentor them so that they have a better chance of being successful. We strongly encourage you to rotate homes and hosting facilitation as well.

I live out of the area. Should we still consider being a Host home? Yes! If you live out of the area we would still love to support you as a Host. Since it is unlikely that we will be able to provide you with a list of potential group members, we would encourage you to pray about which neighbors and friends you could invite to join you for 6 weeks.

How should we handle the childcare issue? Ultimately, each host will decide how they will address the issue of childcare. Most groups ask the members to find their own babysitters and attend the group by themselves with the children left at home with the sitter. Some groups put the children together in a “bonus” room at the Host home and all the members pitch in to pay a sitter or two to watch care for them. Other groups swap child-care with another group they know who meets on another night. And yet others create kind of a neighborhood co-op with the group. There are many creative solutions and it is a great idea to address these up front with the people you are inviting. If you make it six weeks as a starter group without kids you will never go back to before.

I will be out of town during one of the weeks of the series. Any ideas? Sure, on the night you will miss the group,
simply plan on having others lead and facilitate the evening.

Do we need a large home to host? Absolutely not! Most groups will end up with 10 to 12 people. If your group grows larger than that we’ll help you figure out how to make it work!

Will my name and number be posted for others to see? At the Host Orientation you will be completing an information sheet. On that sheet you will be asked whether you’d like your group to be listed on our web listing of groups. It is another helpful way for people to find your group. But, it’s your call.